Options for cable TV service

9 Cost-Effective Alternatives to Cable

1. Online Network Channels (free)

Most major networks are now posting recently aired episodes to their websites for a limited amount of time. CBS even offers online viewers an additional paid subscription option ($6 per month) to unlock more than 6, 500 episodes of everything from The Brady Bunch to The Good Wife.

2. YouTube/Vimeo (free)

YouTube is well known for distributing viral content like Auto-Tune the News and Evolution of Dance. But it’s also a great place to get an education. In the span of a few minutes, you can learn everything from how to put on eyeliner to how to build a bookshelf. Check out Vimeo for indie films and documentaries.

3. Hulu (free or $8 per month)

While Hulu’s free version allows viewers instant access to a limited number of TV episodes through a web browser, Hulu Plus steps it up a notch. For $8 per month, you can access currently airing shows as well as many past seasons, and you can watch either online or on a variety of mobile and set top devices. The catch? You have to sit through repetitive commercials. Lots of them—even with the paid version.

4. Netflix ($8 per month)

Since Netflix posts entire seasons all at once, it’s a great place for binge-watching. You’ll just have to wait until a season ends to even get started. But hey, no commercials. Accessing the service shouldn’t be a problem either. You probably have 10 devices in your house right now that came preloaded with the Netflix app.

5. Amazon Prime ($100 per year)

What initially began as a way to get discounted shipping is now a major contender in the online streaming market. The selection of included shows isn’t as big as Netflix, but the free two-day shipping on most Amazon products makes this a great option if you’re a regular Amazon customer anyway. And if Amazon Prime doesn’t include the show you want, you can usually buy a season pass or pay per episode.

6. Sling TV ($20 per month)

Sling TV launched in January with its Best of Live TV package. It includes 17 live channels like AMC, CNN, ESPN, ESPN2, HGTV and Disney. There are also $5 add-on packages for sports fans, movie buffs and your little ones. If ESPN has been the only reason you’ve clung to your cable box, you may be out of excuses now.

7. HBO NOW ($15 per month)

According to the company’s website, HBO NOW subscribers will have “instant access to every episode of every season” of HBO’s catalog of shows beginning in April. The service will also include popular feature films.

8. HDTV Antenna ($25 and up)

If you really want to cut back, all it takes is an antenna. Luckily they’ve come a long way since your grandmother’s bunny ears. Not only do they look better than the finicky metal rods, but the HD quality is even better than what you get over a cable line. Plug this into a TiVo box, and you can also get full DVR scheduling and recording on all available over-the-air channels. See what stations are available in your area at www.antennaweb.org.

9. Library (free)

Here’s a shocker: You can find everything from contemporary TV shows to workout videos at your local public library. The only downside is that you have to drive to a physical location, but at least you can keep your rentals for a week or two.

This is by no means a comprehensive list of alternatives to cable, but it’s a great mix-and-match way to get started. And even if you’re not quite ready to give up your favorite sports or movie channels, you can always call your cable provider and try to negotiate a better deal.

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